Pro Tips for Performers

RECORDING TIPS

2. Rule two is to read through them aloud before doing them, at least once, but twice if you trip-up a lot. Part of the reading ahead is knowing what is coming so you aren't distracted as you are PERFORMING the script. Particularly when something is full of jargon, or with deficient English.

3. This is also the time to change any of the wording in the script that you don't agree with, or can't get past (words that offend or grammar mistake etc...) We encourage people with less than perfect grasp of English to post scripts and requests and that can lead to issues in vocalization, and even veteran writers sometimes forget complicated syllabic transitions--think tongue twisters.

4. If you do mess up while performing, just pause and re-say it correctly. If the requester wants to, he or she can edit the mispronunciation out.

5. DON'T FORGET TO TURN OFF: the radio, your cellphone, TV and the sound of all your Skype/Discord notifications.

6. Nobody likes the way their recorded voice sounds when they first start hearing it. However, listen to your recording before you post it. It could be blank, full of interference, too low or too loud. Soon enough you will be used to your voice.

7. If you have a visceral reaction to a script, by all means express it. As a writer I am thrilled when my words excite a performer. However, most scripts just need a sultry "I need you" kind of tone that builds to climax or just gets more intense. Check out Ko's bit on sultry speech below.
(Credit: FSA)
=======================================================================================================================================

Tips on a Sultry Voice:

1. Relax your throat and your rib cage. Do some push-ups if you need to. Stretch. Just get all of that loose.

2. Sound out your breath with a short, effortless, "huh" or "hah". Feel where it is. For most people, it is in their throat. Try to move that sound to your chest. Feel your chest vibrate (usually a much lower pitch than your regular speaking voice). Put your hand on your chest and feel the sound vibrations.

3. Always pay attention to your breath support and how much you exhale. Most people don't exhale all the way when they talk.  Don't feel bad if you have to take another breath in the middle of a very short sentence - in fact, REVEL in this! Take. Your. Time. Your breath does not control you, you control it, and you are using it to be deliciously, delightfully seductive. Do NOT underestimate the power of breath and breathing!!

4. When you finally feel it, you'll know it. It's like learning a diphthong or strange consonant in a different language. Sometimes you'll do it easy and sometimes it takes a lot of work. Never let this discourage you.

5. Be wary of straining your throat in an attempt to sound lower-pitched. You're not trying to feign a deep voice, you're simply re-directing your own voice's source.

Great examples of chest resonance in films:
Lady Galadriel from LOTR (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3VOf3CBGvw)
Meryl Streep from The Devil Wears Prada (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5WWy_0VLS4)
Minnie and Aibileen in The Help (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtaFxqwPV4)


General vocal resonance video overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEsiNQtbRMU&t=3s
Vocal warmups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQNMCgKvOk0
Breath exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zhFB5MqwKw

Love,

Ko <3

=======================================================================================================================================

Pop Filters EZ

If you're using a standalone mic, make a pop filter by making a circle with a coat hanger and covering it with a stocking.

If using a headset, make sure it is adjusted so that your nasal exhalations are not flowing over the mic.

See Also:

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Cheap-Microphone-Pop-Filter/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcB3s8KOk4w

http://lifehacker.com/make-an-effective-microphone-pop-filter-out-of-paper-1650050772SOUND ISSUES

=======================================================================================================================================

GLOSSARY: TERMS FOR SPEAKING ABOUT VOICE

Volume – relative loudness of voice

Pitch – relative highness or lowness of voice

Rate – speed at which you talk

Resonance - the quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating
Mouth resonance is used for a conversational vocal color in singing and, in combination with nasal resonance, it creates forward placement or mask resonance. Chest resonance adds richer, darker, deeper tone coloring for a sense of power, warmth and sensuality. It creates a feeling of depth and drama in the voice.

Pauses – small breaks carefully timed for impact, but not too many vocalized pauses like 'er' and 'um'

Vocal Variety – VV refers to changes in volume, pitch, rate, and pauses, and is crucial to making your voice lively and animated. This is one of the main ways to differentiate between reading and performing.

Pronunciation – words should be pronounced correctly and articulated distinctly

SFX- sound effects including slaps kissing sucking etc...

Accent/dialect – regional variations of inflection